CLASS: H1a to H1e - Hudson Type 4-6-4.

The efficient combination of high speed and adequate power characterized 85
familiar 2 class 4-6-4 type engines. This type of locomotive was popularized
by the New York Central Railroad, who appended the class name "Hudson" to them,
after the river, which the NYC parallels between New York and Albany.

The "Hudson" type first appeared on Canadian Pacific lines in 1929 and 1930
when 20 locomotives were built for heavy passenger services requiring reasonably
high speeds. Theses original units, of classes H-1-a and H-1-b were unstreamlined,
but the remaining 45 units built in and after 1937 incorporated the distinct

One of them, No. 2850, was specially selected haul the 1939 Royal Train and
was refinished royal blue and aluminum for the purpose with a royal crown at
the front of each running board. The illustration portrays it in this livery,
though the standard tuscan red paint scheme was later restored. Subsequently,
all 45 semi streamlined 4-6-4s were provide with similar running board crowns,
in token of the distinction carried by No. 2850; thus, locomotives of class
H-1-c. -d, and -e came to be known as Royal Class Hudson'.

A number of H-1s have been preserved for historical reasons, notable No 2850,
the original "Royal Hudson".